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Falafel

Baked Falafel

Portions:

16 pieces

Cook Time:

1 hour (excluding overnight soak)

Can I adapt this easily as a vegetarian or vegan?

Yes

Do falafel really need an introduction? This recipe was originally for fried falafel, I created this baked version instead, because I really don't like deep frying.

Ingredients

  • 250g dry chickpeas; soaked overnight

  • 300g fresh or frozen broad beans; peeled

  • 1 onion

  • 4 cloves garlic

  • 20g parsley (a big bunch)

  • 15g coriander (a small bunch)

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 heaped teaspoon cumin

  • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds

  • ½ lime; juiced

  • salt

  • pepper

  • self raising flour (optional)

Preparation

Step One

Soak the chickpeas in a large bowl full of cold water overnight


Step Two

Drain the chickpeas and remove any black peas. Removing the skins of the chickpeas by rubbing them at this point is optional, but will make a smoother textured falafel


Step Three

Dunk the broad beans in boiling water for 30 seconds, then drain and place in a bowl of cold water


Peel the broad beans by gently squeazing each one individually, so that each bean is removed from it's tough clear skin


Step Four

Pre-heat the oven to 200°C 


Step Five

Place all the ingredients except the sesame seeds  into a food processor, and blend into a smooth, thick dough

If the mixture is too wet to handle, add self raising flour, a tablespoon a time, until it is workable


Step Six

Transfer the dough into a bowl, and mix in the sesame seeds


Step Seven 

Shape the falafel:

Using wet hands, create balls of dough about an inch and a half in diametre

Cup each ball in between your palms and gently press down to create oval shaped falafel


Step Eight

Place the falafel on a baking tray lined with baking paper and spray with a little oil 


Step Nine

Bake for half an hour, or until the outside of the falafel are dark and crispy

Notes

Egyptian and Sudanese falafel (or taamiya) are traditionally made with broad beans. 

In Israel, many Middle Eastern Jewish immigrants making falafel would often use chickpeas, as this was a cheaper alternative. Falafel in the west also more commonly use chickpeas for the same reason. 

My grandmother used a combination of both, and so I have done the same, however if you prefer to, you can make this recipe using only broad beans or chickpeas. 

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